After Qi Qi and Yao Yao left, the restaurant settled back into calm. Wang Jing and Zhao (?) had both cooled down.

Cheng Yu acted as a go-between, introducing them. Only then did they realize they lived in dorm rooms right across from each other.

"Ah, if I’d known earlier, I wouldn’t have argued with you. We’re all brothers here. I’m Wang Jing. What about you?"

Wang Jing instantly flashed a wide smile, stepping forward to shake Zhao (?)’s hand. Knowing his wealth couldn’t match the other’s, he dropped his pride immediately, clinging close to build rapport.

Zhao (?), now calm, frowned slightly at Wang Jing’s sudden shift from arrogance. But for Cheng Yu’s sake, he nodded and replied with a forced smile:

"My name is Zhao—"

"Cheng Yu, come here."

Cheng Yu’s attention snapped away. Linsw Lin stood nearby, her cheeks flushed with a shy blush. She gazed at him with unspoken words in her eyes, blinking like twinkling stars.

*What’s wrong? Did she eat something bad, or are her contacts irritating her eyes?*

Though still wary of Linsw Lin, Cheng Yu feared her wrath more. He hurried over and asked:

"What is it, classmate Linsw Lin?"

Linsw Lin lowered her head shyly, fiddling with her index fingers. Then she countered:

"You still call me ‘classmate’?"

*What else? Mom?*

Cheng Yu was baffled—then remembered he’d just told Zhao (?) they were dating. Changing terms now would raise suspicion.

*Girls really pay attention to details.*

He instantly switched his tone:

"Shengwan."

Though the situation was absurd, Linsw Lin heard the name she wanted.

She ducked her head, face burning crimson. After a long pause, she looked up and asked:

"Who’s Yueyue?"

The simple question made Cheng Yu’s legs wobble. Linsw Lin wore the same smile as before, yet it felt unnerving—like prey locked onto by a venomous snake, his heart frozen in dread.

*This woman’s definitely got issues. Why focus on something so weird?*

"T-that… she’s a friend! You’ve met her, right? The girl at the restaurant that day."

"Oh, her? You seem close."

"Well… kinda. We spent last night together, after all."

"…"

*Whoa, is the heater broken? Why’s it so cold? I’m shaking all over.*

"That kid… she’s, uh, pretty cute."

"Hmm? If she heard you say that, she’d be thrilled. But… Shengwan, you’re really pretty too."

"Eh!?"

Linsw Lin froze, staring at Cheng Yu in surprise. His words were sincere—he’d once liked her, and even now, he still thought she was beautiful. No teasing or shyness colored his face, just pure honesty.

This left Linsw Lin flustered. She sputtered "ah-ah" sounds, then covered her burning cheeks, head bowed again.

*Does this mean…*

*My prince just gave me…*

*a marriage vow?*

*No! His serious mode is this intense? Aaah, what do I do?!*

"F-fine, since you said that… I’ll let it slide."

Cheng Yu watched Linsw Lin dash away, blushing. He was utterly lost.

*What’s she even doing?*

Linsw Lin’s antics confused him, while Wang Jing strained to cozy up to Zhao (?). Cheng Yu left them be.

He turned to a waiter, patting his shoulder with an apologetic smile.

"Hey man… those two are my friends. We were just messing around earlier—sorry for the trouble."

"Messing around? Phew, that’s a relief."

The waiter sighed, laughing as he patted his chest.

"If my boss knew I almost sold his shop while he was away, he’d kill me."

Cheng Yu grinned at the joke. "A new boss wouldn’t matter. They’d still pay you. Maybe even more."

"Oh, you don’t get it."

The waiter perked up, animatedly praising his boss.

"Seriously, our boss’s amazing. Everyone around here—regulars, even neighboring shop owners—respects him. They say knowing him is a real treat!"

"Wow, really?"

Cheng Yu chuckled, regretful. "Too bad he’s not here. I’d love to meet him."

"Eh, no big deal. He’s on late shift today. Should be here any—"

The waiter’s eyes lit up. He pointed at the entrance.

"Lucky timing, handsome. Speak of the devil."

Cheng Yu turned, curious to see the mysterious owner.

He instantly regretted it.

Not for turning—but for the flag he’d planted that day.

Morning: Shenyufu.

Afternoon: Linsw Lin.

And tonight…

An unexpected guest he never wanted to see.

"...Blade Brother."

Cheng Yu whispered the name, pupils widening in terror.

His breath hitched. Was this real, or a nightmare?

"Huh? You know our boss?"

The waiter’s question choked Cheng Yu further. Blade Brother strode over, ruffling the waiter’s hair with mock annoyance.

"Chatting with friends on shift? Is that why I pay you?"

"No, Blade Brother! These guests were joking about buying your shop."

"...Oh? How nice. Sell it, and I’d finally get to laze around at home."

Blade Brother clapped Cheng Yu’s shoulder twice, leaning in as if sharing a secret:

"Right, guest?"

But Cheng Yu heard the low, rapid whisper against his ear:

"We meet again—

kid."